Trek the Annapurna Circuit

A truly unforgettable experience. This trip was incredibly well organised and I felt supported from the moment I booked the trip with the virtual support of the Freedom Adventures team. No questioned went unanswered.

Our lead guide, Kirshna, was fun, knowledgeable and ensured our safety was the priority throughout the trip. He was supported by Ashish and Resham who went above and beyond for us all. Our porters Suria, Kahem, Raju and Ananda were always ahead of us and greeted us in each day with a big smile. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Our whole trip was incredible and made possible due to the amazing team at Freedom adventures. We did Annapurna Circuit in April 2025 and our lead guide Tika made sure we were all well prepared with the right gear, and along with Dili, Lila and PiPi looked after the whole group in every possible situation whether that was navigating through difficult weather, endless hot drink and food orders or helping us through health issues along the way. Tika's extensive experience was clear from the start and "trust in Tika" became the mantra of the trek. The kindness, generosity and humour of the team really helped to make the whole experience along with having safety as a constant priority. Along with the incredible guides, we also wouldn't have been able to complete the trek without the porters. They were all so friendly and their strength and endurance was something we were continually astounded by as they greeted us with fist bumps and smiles while we breathlessly stumbled into our rest stops, them having completed the same trek with ~30kg on their backs.

I would highly recommend Freedom adventures for any treks or tours in Nepal and you'll be especially lucky if you have Tika as your lead guide.

Trip was insane. Each day was different with the landscape constantly changing. Tikka and the guides were incredible and really made the trip an unforgettable experience.

Trekking in the Himalayas has been on my bucket list for a long time and this trip did not disappoint!

The whole Freedom Adventures team were fantastic, from Tika our lead guide, to our support guides Lila, Dili and PP and a brilliant team of porters, they all cared for our safety and wellbeing, going above and beyond. I cannot rate Freedom Adventures highly enough.

The teahouses were all great with twin rooms (I was expecting dorms!) and if you were really lucky, occasionally an ensuite toilet! Food was also good, even when getting to higher altitudes with reduced choice.

We were lucky to have good clear weather for most of the trip (apart from the blizzard up to Tilicho Lake!) and could fully appreciate the breath-taking views in the Annapurna region.

Would love to go back and do it all again. If you are thinking about trekking in the Himalayas I absolutely recommend booking this trip.

An Unforgettable Annapurna Circuit Experience with Freedom Adventures

Our Annapurna Circuit trek with Freedom Adventures was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the entire journey was flawlessly organized, and the support we received from the team made it a truly unforgettable adventure.

A huge shoutout to our incredible guides Pujan, Bhavhishia, Ananta and Lila whose knowledge, warmth, and professionalism elevated the entire experience. They were not only expert navigators of the terrain but also wonderful companions who shared stories, culture, and laughter along the way. Their attention to detail and genuine care for our well-being made us feel safe and supported throughout the trek.

Equally commendable were our porters Arjun, Mohan, Samer, Sujan, Bhumi, and Dhanraj who were absolute heroes. It was heartening to see how well they were treated and supported by Freedom Adventures, something that was very important to us when choosing a trekking company. Their strength and dedication were inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for their hard work.

Freedom Adventures truly stands out for its ethical practices, exceptional team, and deep respect for both trekkers, staff and the environment. If you're considering the Annapurna Circuit or any Himalayan adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend them. This was more than just a trek — it was a life-enriching journey made possible by an outstanding team.

And above all, it was the warmth of the Nepalese smiles that stayed with us long after the mountains faded from view.

Thanks

Kind regards

Dr Myriam Mallet (she/her)

Principal Lecturer (Learning and Teaching)

School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies

T: 01642 384610

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Our Annapurna Circuit trek with Freedom Adventures was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, the entire journey was flawlessly organized, and the support we received from the team made it a truly unforgettable adventure.

A huge shoutout to our incredible guides Pujan, Bhavishya, Ananta and Lila whose knowledge, warmth, and professionalism elevated the entire experience. They were not only expert navigators of the terrain but also wonderful companions who shared stories, culture, and laughter along the way. Their attention to detail and genuine care for our well-being made us feel safe and supported throughout the trek.

Equally commendable were our porters Arjun, Mohan, Samer, Sujan, Bhumi, and Dhanraj who were absolute heroes. It was heartening to see how well they were treated and supported by Freedom Adventures, something that was very important to us when choosing a trekking company. Their strength and dedication were inspiring, and we are deeply grateful for their hard work.

Freedom Adventures truly stands out for its ethical practices, exceptional team, and deep respect for both trekkers, staff and the environment. If you're considering the Annapurna Circuit or any Himalayan adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend them. This was more than just a trek — it was a life-enriching journey made possible by an outstanding team.

And above all, it was the warmth of the Nepalese smiles that stayed with us long after the mountains faded from view.

I completed the Annapurna Circuit Trek in April 2025 with the MBA team and I can't rate this highly enough - this was my first group trip and it was the most amazing experience!

The itinerary was great - we had so much trekking time each day, exploring the valleys and trails for incredible views of the Annapurna range and beyond. Our guides Pujan, Bhawisya, Ananta and Lila were fantastic - they were great at sharing knowledge and keeping morale high at tough times, with lots of jokes, songs and dances. They looked after us and kept us safe, checking we were coping with the altitude at all times and their guidelines got us all the way to Thorong La Pass, Tilicho Lake and more incredible spots. This is a great team and a special shout out to Bhawisya - it was his first experience guiding and he did a great job and can't recommend him enough for more experiences on other trips (like Everest base camp etc) - I can say I have made friends for life with the team! Our porters were also incredible - the hard work they put in to get out belongings from teahouse to teahouse, even in challenging conditions, all with a smile, was inspiring - thanks again to Mohan, Arjun, Samer, Susan and Bhumi; great boys who will look after you like family.

This trek was an incredible achievement and one I won’t forget. The Annapurna circuit and trekking at altitude is hard work and so I recommend you know what you are signing up for! We had an excellent guiding team led by Krishna, with assistant guides Asis and Resam who led with professionalism and enthusiasm, always kept us safe and looked after us very well. Our 4 porters were also incredible and friendly. The teahouses were basic but clean with healthy hot meals and we always had twin rooms which were great. The transport was smooth including the light aircraft flight, and there were no issues at all. All in all, a seamless trip I will not forget! Thank you.

A truly extraordinary trip, great organisation and leadership by lead guide Krishna and the assistant leaders Ashish and Resham. The trip is well planned and executed with great care of all details. Accommodation and food exceeded expectations. A huge thank you to our porters Suria, Kahem, Raju and Ananda for all their help.

At first, I was a bit concerned because it was a long one, 16 days, with 12 consecutive days of hiking, but everything went smoothly. The scenery was outstanding, and the trail was not crowded, which was one of the main reasons I chose this route over the shorter circuit that follows a more popular path.

We were very lucky with the weather. We experienced a bit of everything, even getting caught in a snow blizzard while hiking to Tilicho Lake, but for the most part, we enjoyed clear blue skies.

The tea houses were better than expected, and the guides, Tika, Dilli, Lila, and Pashupati, along with all the porters, were phenomenal and truly looked after us. They made a huge difference and helped turn this into an unforgettable trip!

The two biggest challenges were the cold at night (though bringing a hot water bottle made a big difference!) and the food, which is quite limited due to the altitude. The main options were vegetarian rice or noodles, dal bhat, and veggie curry (the portions were huge, you definitely won’t go hungry).

If you love hiking and can endure long hours on the trail with some tough ascents, I would definitely recommend doing this trek!

An amazing experience in the Himalayas. Our guides Krishna, Resham and Ashish did a stellar job making sure we were safe and comfortable over the 2 weeks. Also a shout out to the porters for always being two steps ahead of us and making sure all our gear made it to the stops in the evenings. The teahouses we stayed in where all great and the food was also much better than what you would expect above 3000m. If your considering doing this trip, just go for it!

Had a great time. The tour is very well organised, guides are knowledgable (Thank you to Krishna, Asis, Resham and the postering team!!) and definitely add to the trek. The tour is very well supported, great if you don’t want to have to think about any logistics but if you’re out for a more independent experience probably not the one. I had an amazing time

A bucket list trek which certainly lived up to and exceeded expectations. The hiking itself was incredible and such a privilege to see those awe inspiring mountains and learn about the people and culture of Nepal.

I cannot compliment MBA and Freedom adventures enough for great communications and organisation from the airport pickup to drop-off at the end of the trip. Also, food and accommodation far surpassed my expectations.

Now to the wonderful crew who made it all happen:

Firstly our porters Suria, Kahem, Raju and Ananda who do such a tough job with smiles on their faces - they were great.

Then our assistant guides Ashish and Resam - super knowledgable guys, always there when we needed support and nothing was too much trouble, they really were excellent.

Last but not least our head guide Krishna who really was brilliant, kept us all in line with good humor, sound advice and great encouragement, thank you so much.

Finally a shout out to my fellow tourists - it’s been quite a while since I signed up for a trip like this as a solo traveller and so was a little apprehensive… all I can say is go for it, if you get to travel with a bunch half as great as I did you’ll be doing well.

This was more than adventure, it was a complete experience.

Culturally Nepal offers so much whether it’s the history of a nation and birthplace of Bhudism or the friendliness of its people.

The scenery was simply breathtaking made even more memorable by the effort to reach our objectives each day.

This was no gentle hike in the hills, fitness does matter and as a septuagenarian, who has participated in extreme sports, i would recommend anyone contemplating doing the Annapurna Circuit to train for at least six months.

Altitude sickness can hit even the fittest individuals, so tip #2 is get assessed by the Altitude Centre to understand how your body reacts to altitude.

We completed the circuit including a trip to Tilicho Lake in a blizzard and accending Thorang La Pass at 5,400m a memorable experience made possible by our fantastic team of guides and porters led by the hugely impressive Tikka.

This was my first MBA trip, it won’t be my last, their organisation and communication was superb.

Amazing route and trip. Accommodation exceeded expectations and guides Krishna, Asis and Resham were the best. Always helping us if we needed anything and great company.

Also a massive shout-out to porters Suria, Ananda, Raju and Kahem for all the help too.

Unforgettable trip!

This is truly a bucket-list trip for anyone who is curious about what it’s really like to hike in Nepal.

The landscape changes throughout the 12 days trekking-from green forests to exposed mountain paths and frozen lakes. The views across the Manang valley were spectacular.

The planning and pace of the trek was well thought out. We built up to the longer days of Tilicho Lake and Thorang-la pass so I felt ready for these when they came. The longer days do require you to dig deep but are worth the challenge.

The trip was really made by the fantastic team from Freedom Adventures. Tika was an amazing leader, so attentive to everyone’s needs - making sure we were all eating right, looking after those who felt unwell and even locating some much needed peanut butter on request! I felt we were in such safe hands from start to finish. As well as Tika I was so grateful for care and encouragement from the rest of our guides, Dili, Lila and PP, plus the daily high 5s from our super strong support team when we finally arrived at our tea house each day.

Be prepared for cold nights, even in April/May. But I would face the cold all over again for more time looking up at these beautiful mountains.

The Annapurna Circuit was a memorable trekking journey far exceeding expectation, with stunning landscapes, varied terrains and insights into the variables of mountain life.

This trek offered more than just a physical challenge;. it provided each of us with the opportunity to discover qualities & strengths within ourselves we hadn’t previously realised we possessed, and forged new friendships.

The strength in leadership and passion for the Nepalese mountains of our lead guide, Tika was reflected in the quality and work ethic of his team, each of whom were fully engaged in the safety, comfort & well-being of the entire group throughout, providing service and support beyond that of any I have experienced anywhere else. It was with trust in Tika and his team that I was able to fully immerse in the mountain experience and focus on enjoying every moment.

A 10/10 trekking experience.

The efficient assistance and flexibility provided by the Freedom Adventures team from transfers to post-trek options resulted in well supported and incredible experiences in Nepal.

Toally recommend all that this trip had to offer.

The trip was super well-organised. The hike itself is totally manageable, the days add up by the end, but one doesn't need to be an athlete to cope by any means (I had no prior high altitude experience). I was especially impressed by the local team from Freedom adventures led by Tika who went above and beyond to keep all of us safe and happy. I was quite ill for part of the trip, so absolutely couldn't have done it without them. To give an example, they refused to let me carry my backpack for days, just so that I recover fast enough to make it to the top (which I did) :) If you're thinking about hiking in Nepal, they are definitely the team to do it with.

This has been an amazing trek in the Annapurna region. The scenery was stunning; the views of mighty peaks kept me in awe every single day; the trekking was both meditative and adventurous. Despite the unknown terrain and high altitude, I felt safe in the hands of expert lead guide Pujan and his assistant guides Ananta, Bhavisya and Lila whose combined experience, logistical precision, and knowledge of the Himalayas and Nepal, from history to traditional folk songs, combined with their positive attitude and a constant smile on their face brought the trip to the next level. All of this would not be possible without supporting staff Mohan, Bhumi, Arjun, Samer and Sujan. In terms of the food on the trek, weirdly, the higher you went the more delicious the food was, accommodation and services available in guesthouses on this trek exceeded my expectations. Top highlights were dancing at Tilicho Lake, sipping hot tea and munching on a chocolate crepe at Tharong La Pass, and celebrating our achievements in Jomsom before taking a scenic flight to Pokhara. Would definitely do it again!

As a novice hiker, I appreciate the expertise of the group leaders and their support team. Our acclimatisation to the altitude was managed and monitored, which meant we all made it to the top safely and with a smile on our faces. I'd definitely recommend this trip with MBA :)

The scale and beauty of this area also blew me away. I hoped for great views, but this hike exceeded any expectations.

Before we get into the trip itself, let’s take a moment to review the effort grading of ‘Challenging’. Now, what does that mean to a 50-something woman built for comfort, not for speed? I’d say it’s somewhere between “a character-building hike through a postcard” and “why are my thighs crying? This was an MBA trip, so let’s be honest – we weren’t expecting spa robes and welcome drinks with tiny umbrellas. But still, “challenging” is a slippery little euphemism, and I feel compelled to rebrand it on behalf of those of us who exist more for resilience than record times. I spent an hour in the gym most days for six months before the trip, and honestly, it still probably wasn’t enough. I focused on strength training, which was great for the downhill bits – less so for anything resembling a lung function test disguised as a staircase. I should’ve added more cardio training. . . or booked a holiday involving a sun lounger and a strong cocktail. But here we are. Top tip: Have some cheerleaders from home on standby. They’ll undoubtedly be reclining on their sofas, sipping chilled sauvignon blanc, but at some point – probably earlier than you'd hope – you’ll need a pep talk. For me, this moment arrived on day one. If you make it to the patchy WiFi zones further up the trail before reaching your emotional limits, congratulations, you’re doing better than I did. Day one of walking was savage. It was likely a cocktail of jet lag, travel fatigue, and pre-trip chaos, but I hit a wall. Hard. I barely knew my team, so I hadn’t yet built up enough rapport to weep openly in front of them – a missed opportunity, in hindsight. Also, the itinerary warned of a 400m vertical staircase on day two. What it failed to mention is that this was merely the warm-up act. Every day had its own personal Everest. What got me through? Sheer stubbornness and teamwork. Somewhere on the way to Manang, there’s a section that’s described as “a bit steep. ” As the slowest in the group, I was sent ahead with our assistant guide, Dilly. Whether this was a tactical move to set the pace or simply an act of kindness to spare me the shame of being lapped while audibly questioning my life choices, I’ll never know. But it worked. And speaking of Nepali understatement: “Easy for you” is anything but, “optional walks” are mandatory, and “bring your waterproofs” means that a snowstorm is very much in your near future. You get the picture. The trip to Tilicho Lake is an absolute bonus in this itinerary. It’s on a lesser-travelled section of the circuit – possibly because of the additional effort required, or maybe because it involves traversing a perilous landslide zone immediately followed by a rockfall zone. And that’s all before you reach the lake, which you may or may not see depending on the weather. We were greeted by a glorious -15°C blizzard and a flat, white expanse that was apparently Tilicho Lake. But after nine hours of battling the elements to get our photo with the sign (because otherwise it doesn’t count), we then had another 3. 5-hour walk uphill to our next lodgings. My repeated, impassioned pleas to be carried by horse were refused. Still – 10/10, totally worth it. The lake, the 350m swing bridge, and obviously the mighty Thorong La pass were all strong candidates for a full emotional breakdown, equipment failure, or a moment of existential doubt. And all of us had at least one (except Leanne, you absolute legend). But those shouldn't overshadow the real milestones: foraging for crunchy peanut butter, managing leaking hot water bottles, losing wallets/keys/dignity, and – perhaps most memorably – taking out the entire Upper Pisang power supply with a single hairdryer (yes, Ana, this is now officially in the annals of Annapurna legend). The team handled everything with grace and good humour. The Freedom Adventures crew weren’t just professional – they were exceptional. Kind, respectful, and endlessly patient, they cared for us with the protectiveness of a slightly overbearing parent. They were guides, therapists, and friends all wrapped into one, smiling their way up the trail like it was a nice stroll out in the fresh air. Tika is a phenomenal leader, and every member of his team reflects that strength. I couldn’t have done this without them, and I’m truly grateful. Would I do it again? Eventually. Maybe. Definitely. . . as long as someone else carries my bag and lies about the elevation gains.

Just returned from 12th April Annapurna Circuit trip. What an incredible experience it was. The trek was very well planned to ensure the group acclimatised well to give us the best chance of succeeding in the high altitude sections. The scenery was stunningly beautiful, particularly the lake section. Our group was ably led by Pujan, with assistant guides Ananta, Bhavisya and Lila. They were a great team, always ready to share their knowledge and passion, and made us feel confident in our adventure. The six supporting staff (including a special mention for Mohan who stepped up to be an assistant guide) were also great, and we enjoyed having dinner with them on our last night. The tea houses were much more comfortable than I’d expected. Food was great in the majority, and all the rooms were twin with the odd triple bed. Some highlights were the sheer scale of the mountains, the 2 days where we started hiking in time to watch the sun rise, Tilicho lake, numerous eagles, and the fabulous group of people who I shared all this with.

Would highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves walking and mountains!

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip, which was well organised throughout and allowed me to relax and enjoy the hiking and views.

This journey was truly extraordinary! As a solo traveler, I was curious about group travel for such a challenge. It exceeded all expectations and I met inspiring, like-minded adventurers. The flawless organisation allowed us to fully immerse in the breathtaking landscapes and the climb without worry. Our lead guide Pujan, our assistant guides Babisha, Ananta, Lila, and porters/supporting staff Mohan, Arjun, Samer, Sujan, Bhumi ensured a seamless experience. They provided expert knowledge on the best routes, accomodations, local culture and health precautions, including altitude safety checks. Along the way, they helped us to gain deep insight into Nepal's traditions, folk songs and dances, history, geography, religions and diverse communities. The energy of this team was unmatched. I could see that MBA supports aspiring guides in achieving their dreams. All our crew was extremely qualified and also properly equipped for the trek.

We trekked at the perfect pace, celebrating every milestone. Every moment was unforgettable - from the lush Besisahar to the snowcapped Annapurnas, the rugged Mustang valley and stunning Himalayan views from. Our flight. Sunrise on Tilicho lake and Thorong la Pass were true highlights. Special shoutout to Manang valleys peaceful temples, delicious apple pies and adorable baby yaks.

Already dreaming of returning. I'll definitely choose this company (and guides) again. Jam Jam !

Incredible views, great company and an absolutely fabulous team. Pujan and his assistant leaders Bhawisya, Ananta and Lila went out of their way to make this an unforgettable experience. Huge thanks also to our porters Mohan, Arjun, Samer, Sujan and Bhumi.

The trip was fantastic. It exceeded my expectations. The views, the company and the beautiful country of Nepal. I loved it, especially the hike to tilicho lake. The leader and his team went above and beyond to make our trip run smoothly. They were so helpful. I can’t recommend this trip enough. Thank you to Pujan, Bhavishya and all the team for such a great 2 weeks!

Our trek with Freedom Adventures through Much Better Adventures was incredible, and I would do it again in an instant. The views are stunning, the walking enjoyable and the company good.

We could not have asked for a better team than that lead by Tika and his assistant guides Anil, Pravin and Santosh. Tika's guiding experience is evident; he is a strong leader with deep knowledge of the route. He kept a watchful eye on all of us to ensure that we could complete the trek. The assistant guides were nothing short of fantastic; always available to lend a helping hand, share knowledge, and teach the occasional Nepali card game. By the middle of the trek the guides felt more like family than guides. If I had to summarize the guides on our trip in a few words it would be these: Prepared, knowledgeable, lighthearted and easygoing.

Overall I give the trek and guides 10/10, would recommend.

A must do!! This was a trip of a lifetime! As a solo traveller I was a little nervous before leaving for the trip, however all my worries left when I met the team. Sanjeet, Ananta, Surya, Dhan Raj, and Uttam were all helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The team back in Kathmandu made it easy to communicate with them, and took great care of every detail. I couldn't have asked for a better team!

Throughout the hike I felt, safe, cared, for and known by our little family. During the last day of my trip I ended up getting pretty sick (just severe motion sickness, nothing to worry about:). Throughout the whole experience I was in great hands. They made sure I had everything and found me great care. If you are a solo traveler, know that you are going to be apart of an excellent team and have nothing to worry about!

And I haven't even mentioned the views. . . A MUST DO!

Wonderful in every way. The team were expert and endlessly patient and reassuring. So well looked after. Nothing was roo much trouble for Tika and his team. All accommodation and food was well organised. Left us free to enjoy this as a real holiday. Loved every minute. Thank you

I really thought the hardest part of this trip would be summitting Thorong La Pass, or maybe the hike up to Tilicho Lake. I thought it'd be the elevation or the climb that got me. But no, the hardest part of the trek was saying goodbye to the Freedom Adventures team-Our guides Tika, Anil, Santos, Provin, and our incredible group of porters. Tika and his team go above and beyond in every aspect to make sure that every person on the trip is safe, healthy, and has an incredible trek. In a way, this review is my love letter to them. To our lead guide, Tika: I've never met someone who cares so much about the work that they do and the people they do it with. You are an excellent leader with an incredible amount of knowledge of trekking and the mountains. Thank you for putting your heart into your work. Because of you, we were safe, comfortable, and so happy with our experience.

To Anil, our secondary lead guide: Not only do you also share Tika's knowledge of the mountains, but you also always showed true compassion and care for the members of our trek who were sick. You encouraged them, walked them through alternate routes, made sure they were eating and drinking, carried their packs, and ultimately helped them complete the trek successfully. You have such a big heart for people and it shows in your work.

To Provin, one of our assistant guides: It's clear that your positive attitude is what has gotten you so far at a young age. You always have a smile on your face and your joy is infectious. You helped keep the group happy and enjoying every step of the trek. You are a consistent pace setter ("Slowly slowly!") and always made sure we were staying hydrated along the way. We loved your singing and dancing, too!

To Santos, our other assistant guide: Thank you for your sneaky humor and for being such an attentive guide. You are highly observant and quick to step in when someone needs help without being overbearing.

To our porters: You were a fantastic team who always kept our bags organized and helped us get everything to each stop quickly and safely. Many of you also stepped in to assist the guiding team when we had sick members of our group and they needed extra hands. We wouldn't have been able to do the trek without you, and I'm so thankful for what you do!

This trek was a profoundly meaningful time for me and I'm confident that wouldn't have been the case if it weren't for the Freedom Adventures team. Every step was perfectly organized and well planned. We saw other inexperienced guiding groups and our guides even stepped in to help in a medical emergency when those guides were not prepared with the proper supplies. Tika and his whole team are nothing short of incredible and I wouldn't want to trek the Himalayas without them.

The local team of guides and porters, led by Tika, were amazing. They made our trip for us all as Freedom Adventures. A faultless experience. Can't thank them enough!